Student Exchange?

Need advice from a current or former exchange student/ host or someone involved in an exchange program?

• So right now, I'm in 9th grade, and I'm aiming to be an exchange student in my junior year (11th grade). I've gone through the information on the Rotary Club's site, but I'm hoping someone who's had experience in an exchange could give me some pointers so I would have a better chance to succeed and get the best of the exchange. I have a few questions, so if you don't mind replying, it would help a lot. 1. Besides what's mentioned on the site (being flexible, having leadership qualities, being an above average student, and being able to be an ambassador for your country), what are some other things I could do to better my chances? 2. What was the school experience like? Was there trouble fitting in? Were you able to get used to it, and if so, could you give me some pointers? 3. Was living with host families awkward for the whole time, or only at first? Ad how could you make them more comfortable and be less of a burden on them? Mainly for host families: 4. Anything an exchange student did that makes you uncomfortable that I should avoid? What should I do to help you? 5. What about the host family's children? How could I bother you less and possibly even befriend you? Even if you answer one or two, that would still be a big help! Thanks for checking this out:)

• Answer:

  I don't know where you're going, but I was a foreign exchange student to Germany. Getting accepted had more to do with whether they had a host family available than whether or not I was on the honor roll. It never seemed as though American students thought much about going abroad so there wasn't a competition. My best advice I can give you is to relax and enjoy it. Everyone knows you're coming from another culture so they probably won't be sensitive or easily offended. By your questions you've shown yourself to be considerate and they'll pick up on that. Living with the host family wasn't really awkward except for maybe the first 2 days. They'll probably be really excited to have you. At school everyone will know what to do to set you up and they'll take good care of you. The students will help you find your way. If you don't know the language well you'll probably not get any grades.